Police Scotland and Scottish Borders Council’s trading standards team seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products from two retailers in the Scottish Borders in August.
As part of Operation CECE, SBC’s trading standards team along with Police Scotland and a specialist dog handler visited two premises after receiving intelligence about illegal tobacco sales.
Specially trained sniffer dogs Rosie and Boo helped uncover the large quantity of illicit tobacco products and hand-rolling tobacco worth around £25,000.
Councillor Robin Tatler, SBC’s executive member for public safety and resilience, said: “The sale of illicit tobacco undermines public health and safety, as these products often fail to meet legal standards. This type of targeted operation also helps protect reputable local businesses who are affected by the unfair competition from those operating illegally.
“One of the premises had an elaborate approach to hiding their illegal tobacco but this was no match for Rosie and Boo, who made short work of finding the goods.”
Constable Mark Froud, Galashiels community police officer, said: “We continue to work alongside our partners in Trading Standards to target any premises suspected of supplying illicit products across the Scottish Borders. Information from the public is vital in these cases and I would encourage members of the public to pass on any information about illegal activity and the sale of illicit tobacco.”
Scottish Borders Council trading standards and Police Scotland will continue to take robust action against those involved in such criminal activities. They would also like to thank the continued support of the local community in reporting such activities which helps direct officers and pinpoint the premises.
If members of the public have any queries about suspicious activity they should contact Trading Standards in the Scottish Borders, by phone 0300 100 1800 or email advice@scotborders.gov.uk or through their website Trading Standards enquiry | Enquiry details – Scottish Borders Council.
For fraud concerns, the Scottish Borders Council also has a form and hotline for reporting potential fraud.https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/access-information/national-fraud-initiative
